Transforming the Future: Join CARICOM Leaders at 2025 Summit to Shape Digital Skills Revolution!

The upcoming 48th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM promises to be an important gathering as discussions center around the establishment of a CARICOM Digital Skills Commission. Led by Dickon Mitchell, the Lead Head of Government for Science and Technology in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, last July’s meeting approved the Strategic Framework for Regional Digital Resilience 2025-2030. This strategic framework sets the stage to enhance the region’s digital resilience and address digital challenges effectively.

1. Advancing Digital Transformation: The main objective of the Strategic Framework is to drive the digital transformation of CARICOM member states’ economies and foster the growth of a digital economy within the region. This forward-looking initiative aims to position CARICOM in a strong stance to navigate the digital landscape of the future.
2. Insight from Jennifer Britton: Jennifer Britton, the Deputy Programme Manager for Information and Communication Technology for Development, provided valuable context on the region’s digital landscape and shared her perspective on the envisioned Digital Skills Commission. She emphasized the interconnectedness of digital development with regional integration and overall development goals.
3. Key Challenges and Solutions: Britton highlighted the importance of addressing key challenges in digital development, especially in conjunction with the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) program. The convergence of the CSME initiative with digital development is seen as pivotal in overcoming obstacles hindering progress in this sector.

Britton stressed the need for a comprehensive discussion on digital development at all levels, including political, technical, and community perspectives. The hope is that Heads of Government will prioritize this discourse, recognizing digital technology as a crucial ally in achieving broader regional objectives.

As the Conference of Heads of Government gathers in Bridgetown, Barbados from February 19 to 21, the spotlight will be on shaping the future of digital resilience in the CARICOM region. The conversations and decisions made during this meeting hold the potential to pave the way for a more digitally-enabled and resilient Caribbean community. Let us look forward to a collaborative and forward-thinking discussion that propels CARICOM towards a brighter digital future.